Collapsible storage unit with wheels

ABSTRACT

A collapsible storage unit with wheels comprises front, rear, left and right wall panels and, optionally, a bottom panel. The left and right wall panels are foldable inwardly to create a collapsed storage unit that is relatively flat. In another embodiment, the front and rear wall panels are foldable in a similar manner. The collapsible storage unit further comprises removable support beams, and in a disclosed embodiment, an optional removable support rod, extending between the front and rear wall panels. Wheels are affixed to the support beams such that the collapsible storage unit may be readily moved across multiple types of surfaces. A handle may be attached to or formed in a wall panel to provide easier grip and movement of the collapsible storage unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/086,595, filed on Oct. 1, 2020, titled COLLAPSIBLE STORAGE UNIT WITH WHEELS, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to storage units. More particularly, the present invention relates to collapsible storage units with wheels.

Description of Related Art

Storage units currently used under beds in homes have several deficiencies. For example, storage units that are collapsible lack adequate rigidity. They deform when manipulated or moved and have limited weight capacity. Additionally, storage units without wheels are difficult to maneuver on surfaces, especially carpets and rugs. Moreover, rigid storage units that are not collapsible are usually expensive to ship because of their size and weight.

There is a need in the field of storage units, therefore, for a collapsible storage unit with wheels that is also structurally rigid. The present invention satisfies that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention comprises front, rear, left and right wall panels and, optionally, a bottom panel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the left and right wall panels are foldable such that the left and right wall panels may be folded inwardly to create a collapsed storage unit that is relatively flat such that shipping size and cost may be reduced. In another embodiment of the present invention, the front and rear wall panels are foldable in a similar manner to achieve similar benefits. The collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention further comprises removable support beams, and in one disclosed embodiment a removable support rod, extending between the front and rear wall panels. Caster wheels are affixed to the support beams such that the collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention may be readily moved across multiple types of surfaces. A handle may be attached to or formed in a wall panel to provide easier grip and movement of the collapsible storage unit with wheels of the present invention. Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps, and processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective top view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective top view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention with the bottom panel removed;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective top view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective bottom view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a right side view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates a partially folded collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B illustrates a completely folded collapsible storage unit with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention; and,

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the collapsible storage unit with wheels according to another disclosed embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

While the present disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described one or more embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative only and is not intended to limit the disclosure to any specific embodiment described or illustrated.

The following descriptions relate principally to preferred embodiments while a few alternative embodiments may also be referenced on occasion, although it should be understood that many other alternative embodiments would also fall within the scope of the invention. The embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as describing limits to the invention, whereas the broader scope of the invention should instead be considered with reference to the claims, which may be now appended or may later be added or amended in this or

related applications

Unless indicated otherwise, it is to be understood that terms used in these descriptions generally have the same meanings as those that would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that terms used are generally intended to have the ordinary meanings that would be understood within the context of the related art, and they generally should not be restricted to formal or ideal definitions, unless and only to the extent that a particular context clearly requires otherwise. Synonymous or equivalent terms may be used in different instances in the specification and should not be construed to limit the invention.

For purposes of these descriptions, a few wording simplifications should also be understood as universal, except to the extent otherwise clarified in a particular context either in the specification or in particular claims. The use of the term “or” should be understood as referring to alternatives, although it is generally used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only, or unless the alternatives are inherently mutually exclusive. Furthermore, unless explicitly dictated by the language, the term “and” may be interpreted as “or” in some instances. When referencing values, the term “about” may be used to indicate an approximate value, generally one that could be read as being that value plus or minus half of the value. “A” or “an” and the like may mean one or more, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Such “one or more” meanings are most especially intended when references are made in conjunction with open-ended words such as “having,” “comprising” or “including.” Likewise, “another” object may mean at least a second object or more. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the use of “may” or “may be” indicates that a modified term is appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. Directional terms such as left, right, front, rear, top, and bottom are non-limiting and do not restrict the invention to particular orientations. Example quantities and sizing dimensions are described herein but do not limit the invention, as other sizes and quantities can be implemented.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective top view of a collapsible storage unit 10 with wheels according to a disclosed embodiment of the present invention fully assembled. The storage unit 10 is preferably compact, enabling it to fit, for example, under a bed in a residential home. The storage unit 10 is able to hold and support a static weight of at least twenty kilograms in a disclosed embodiment. Items can be stored inside storage unit 10 and rest on top of a bottom panel 101. Wall panels 102-105 (front, rear, left and right wall panels, as further discussed below) and bottom panel 101 are preferably designed with an outer layer of textile fabric to give the storage unit 10 a domestic appearance, in contrast to, for example, a plastic bin. The wall panels 102-105 and bottom panel 101 structures can be constructed of cardboard, plastic, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panels, and the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective top view of the storage unit 10 with the bottom panel 101 removed. It will be appreciated that the bottom panel 101 is an optional component that is not required for the storage unit 10 to function. For example, rather than using bottom panel 101 to support the weight of objects placed in storage unit 10, the wall panels 102-105 can support the weight. That is, the wall panels 102-105 could support files or other light objects that can be mounted on edges of the wall panels 102-105 such that the bottom panel 101 is not required.

As further shown in FIG. 1B and as further discussed below, located inside and near the left wall panel 104, a left support beam 109 is affixed to the front wall panel 102 and rear wall panel 103. Located inside and near the right wall panel 105, a right support beam 110 is affixed to the front wall panel 102 and rear wall panel 103. Approximately halfway between the left support beam 109 and the right support beam 110, a support rod 111 is affixed to the front wall panel 102 and rear wall panel 103. Additionally, a handle 108 can be affixed to the front wall panel 102 using threaded fasteners or other means, enabling easier grip and movement of the storage unit 10. It will be appreciated that, depending on the size of storage unit 10, additional support beams may be included to provide further structural support. Similarly, and depending on the size of storage unit 10 and the rigidity of one or more of wall panels 102-105 and bottom panel 101, if present, it will be appreciated that support rod 111 may be optional or may be supplemented with additional support rods.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective top view of the storage unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear left corner 115 of the storage unit 10, the fabric of the rear wall panel 103 is sewn to the fabric of the left wall panel 104. At the rear right corner 116, the rear wall panel 103 fabric is sewn to the right wall panel 105 fabric. Similarly, the left wall panel 104 and right wall panel 105 are sewn to the front wall panel 102 at the respective corners, left 117 and right 118. Loosely sewing the fabric of wall panels 102-105 together at the corners enables the wall panels 102-105 to be flexible. It will be appreciated that when wall panels 102-105 are connected in this manner, a generally rectangular or square box-like shape is formed for storage unit 10.

As further shown in FIG. 2, support beams 109, 110 and support rod 111 are removably affixed to the front wall panel 102 and the rear wall panel 103 using threaded fasteners 112, preferably bolts, although other methods of removable affixation are possible. The support beams 109, 110 and support rod 111 are preferably metal stamped parts constructed of cold rolled steel, although other strong and rigid materials can be implemented. The support beams 109, 110 and support rod 111 provide structural integrity to the wall panels 102-105, enabling the storage unit 10 to maintain a generally rectangular shape (as shown) and hold items. The support beams 109, 110 and support rod 111 are preferably strong but also lightweight to enable a user to easily maneuver the storage unit 10.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective bottom view of the storage unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3A, the support beams 109, 110 and support rod 111 are located underneath the bottom panel 101, when bottom panel 101 is present. The bottom panel 101, when present, also provides additional structural integrity for the storage unit 10, preventing the left wall panel 104 and right wall panel 105 from partially folding inward at the seams 106, 107 as further discussed below.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the storage unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3B, caster wheels (or “casters”) 120 are affixed to the support beams 109, 110. The caster wheels 120 increase mobility of the storage unit 10 by enabling a user to slide the storage unit 10 along a surface, including carpet. For example, a user can grip the handle 108 and slide the storage unit 10 under a bed, other furniture or another storage location. As an example, two casters 120 are shown affixed to each support beam 109, 110 and located at opposite ends near the corners of the storage unit 10. However, different sizes and quantities of casters 120 can be implemented as needed for the storage unit 10.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the storage unit 10. Handle 108 is shown affixed to the front wall panel 102. Various types of fasteners can be used to attach the handle 108 such as threaded fasteners or rivets. It will be appreciated that handle 108 may be attached to one or more of wall panels 102-105 (including, for example, by using a plurality of handles 108) and may be formed in other manners, such as by a slot formed integral with one or more of wall panels 102-105.

FIG. 5 illustrates a right side view of the storage unit 10 showing seam 107 in right wall panel 105 as further discussed below.

FIG. 6A illustrates a partially folded storage unit 10 and FIG. 6B illustrates a completely folded storage unit 10. When the support beams 109, 110 and support rod 111 are removed, the left wall panel 104 and right wall panel 105 can fold inward along a left seam 106 and right seam 107 (shown also in FIG. 5), respectively, to collapse the storage unit 10. When the left wall panel 104 and right wall panel 105 are folded inward, the collapsed storage unit 10 has a flat appearance (shown in FIG. 6B) with the wall panels 102-105 stacked together. Thus, the storage unit 10 is collapsible by removing the support beams 109, 110 and support rod 111 and folding the left wall panel 104 and right wall panel 105 inward. Being able to collapse the storage unit 10 is beneficial for reducing shipping size and cost.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the storage unit of the present invention. In this embodiment, storage unit 20 is similar to storage unit 10 but the support beams 109, 110 are affixed to foldable front wall panel 202 and foldable rear wall panel 203 and no support rod is present. Located inside and near the left wall panel 204, a left support beam 109 is affixed to the foldable front wall panel 202 and foldable rear wall panel 203. Located inside and near the right wall panel 205, a right support beam 110 is affixed to the foldable front wall panel 202 and foldable rear wall panel 203. In this embodiment, the front wall panel 202 and rear wall panel 203 are foldable in a similar manner as described above with respect to storage unit 10 to achieve similar benefits. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible storage unit comprising: a front wall panel; a rear wall panel; a left wall panel; a right wall panel; a first support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel; a second support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel; a support rod removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel and disposed between the first support beam and the second support beam; a plurality of wheels affixed to the first support beam and the second support beam; and a handle attached to the front wall panel, wherein at least two of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise seams to allow such at least two panels to be folded.
 2. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the storage unit further comprises a bottom panel disposed between the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel.
 3. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise an outer layer of textile fabric.
 4. The collapsible storage unit of claim 3, wherein the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel are sewn together to form a generally rectangular shape.
 5. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the at least two such panels that comprise seams to allow such two panels to be folded comprise the left wall panel and the right wall panel.
 6. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the at least two such panels that comprise seams to allow such two panels to be folded comprise the front wall panel and the rear wall panel.
 7. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels comprise caster wheels.
 8. The collapsible storage unit of claim 2, wherein the bottom panel is removable.
 9. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein when the first support beam, the second support beam and the support rod are removed, the storage unit collapses into a generally flat shape.
 10. The collapsible storage unit of claim 1, wherein the first support beam, the second support beam and the support rod are removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel with threaded fasteners.
 11. A collapsible storage unit comprising: a front wall panel; a rear wall panel; a left wall panel; a right wall panel; a first support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel; a second support beam removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel; and a plurality of wheels affixed to the first support beam and the second support beam, wherein at least two of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise seams to allow such at least two panels to be folded.
 12. The collapsible storage unit of claim 11, further comprising at least one handle.
 13. The collapsible storage unit of claim 12 wherein the at least one handle is attached to at least one of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel or the right wall panel.
 14. The collapsible storage unit of claim 11, further comprising at least one support rod removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel and disposed between the first support beam and the second support beam.
 15. A collapsible storage unit comprising: a front wall panel; a rear wall panel; a left wall panel; a right wall panel; at least two support beams removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel; and a plurality of wheels affixed to each of the at least two support beams, wherein at least two of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel and the right wall panel comprise seams to allow such at least two panels to be folded.
 16. The collapsible storage unit of claim 15, further comprising at least one handle.
 17. The collapsible storage unit of claim 16 wherein the at least one handle is attached to at least one of the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the left wall panel or the right wall panel.
 18. The collapsible storage unit of claim 15, further comprising at least one support rod removably affixed between the front wall panel and the rear wall panel and disposed between the at least two support beams. 